The winter market closure can become for Joan Laporta a lever more valuable than the VIP seats themselves.
Nico González's signing by Manchester City will leave 20.6 million in Barça's coffers. From the 40% that Barça retained of his rights, the 8 million that Porto paid for him at the time must be deducted.
In other words, Barça takes 40% of the capital gain caused by the player since he was sold to the Portuguese club.
A 35 million operation with Porto
But the joys don't end here for Joan Laporta, who has once again failed in his attempt to place Ansu Fati. It's his major pending issue in the market.
That despite the fact that the player's affairs are handled by Jorge Mendes, an agent with excellent rapport with the blaugrana president.
Laporta was surprised when from Porto he was informed through Deco that they have thought of Pablo Torre to replace Nico González.
In other words, Barça will not only collect 20.6 million for Nico González, but will also negotiate the transfer of Pablo Torre for about 15 million.
It should not be forgotten that Barça paid Racing 5 million plus variables for him. Now it would be about repeating the experience, selling for 15 and keeping 40% of the capital gain. That is, 40% from 15 million.
Loan with purchase option at the end of the season
The negotiation of this double operation has been directly handled by Deco. Considering that the winter market closure is tonight, there is no time for negotiations. And it is most likely that Pablo Torre will be immediately loaned to Porto with a purchase option dated for this summer.
Pablo Torre was signed three years ago by FC Barcelona from Racing as one of the great hopes of Spanish football. It was a personal bet by Xavi.
But his first year at Barça was not happy. He didn't shine during his loan year at Girona, and this year he had serious problems getting minutes with Hansi Flick.
In any case, if the operation is completed, it would be against Flick's will, who prefers to have him in Barça's squad.